> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dropshop.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dropshop.gitbook.io/docs/background-limited-release-product-drops.md).

# Background - Limited Release Product Drops

Limited release product drops are a key marketing strategy for any product that can generate brand equity from ‘hype’ – a type of grassroots marketing value.  However, these drops are vulnerable to manipulation, particularly by automated Bots who buy up a large portion of the limited product.  This inflates the product’s price on the secondary market, with Bots capturing most of this value.&#x20;

&#x20;The potential for brand harm by Bots pricing out some consumers is often outweighed by the additional value to the brand, as resale markets act to accelerate hype.

&#x20;A better solution to the current paradigm would shift the capture of resale value from purely rent seeking middlemen (the Bots) to those who value the brand or service most – the brand’s biggest supporters.&#x20;


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